Hello Mentor is a show where we have raw conversations with successful individuals from various industries as they share their stories with all their ups and downs, along with practical advice, to help you succeed in your career.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
“One day, a book distributor from overseas approached us and said ‘Hey, we have some books to clear’. We tried selling all the books for RM8 and it just went crazy.” --- Andrew Yap
In this podcast episode, Andrew shares personal stories of how he started his entrepreneurial journey at 14 years old. Andrew talks about the Big Bad Wolf book sale and how he managed to sell books at such affordable prices. He shares the biggest challenges during the pandemic and how it has forced his company to grow stronger. He shares advice to people who want to start a reading habit as well as the future plans for Bookxcess and Big Bad Wolf.
To check out Book Excess and Big Bad Wolf as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:
https://www.bookxcessonline.com/
As a self-made businessman, Andrew Yap, Managing Director of BookXcess, has built an alternative book empire from the ground up. For Andrew, accumulating profits is a distant goal to his personal desire to sell books at affordable prices, inculcate an enthusiasm for reading, especially among children, and raise the country's literacy level.
Yap is an ambitious risk-taker with a sharp eye for business, while his wife and partner, Jacqueline Ng, is the by-the-book, level-headed, strait-laced administrator. Together, the husband-and-wife team have made it their aim to make books more affordable and accessible to people worldwide.
Due to his love for cars, Yap started off operating a petrol kiosk and car workshop and was sourcing for car magazines when he chanced upon an opportunity to sell remainder books (brand new, overprinted books unsold by publishers) in a 500 sq ft bookstore in 2006, known as BookXcess.
Since then, BookXcess has grown by leaps and bounds, making a name for itself for providing English books across a variety of genres at 50% - 80% off regular prices. BookXcess opened its first outlet in Amcorp Mall in 2007 and has retail outlets at the Starling and Fahrenheit88. BookXcess has also been the organiser of the signature Big Bad Wolf Book Sale since 2009. Known as the World’s Biggest Book Sale, the event runs for 24 hours for up to 11 days, offering millions of books at unbeatable prices.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
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Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
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Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
“I always knew that I wanted to start my own business at some point in time and I worked in corporate finance for about 10 years. In my eighth or ninth year, I was already itching to get out to try something on my own.” --- Edmund Tan
In this podcast episode, Edmund shares behind the scenes of Inside Scoop and how he started the company with his wife, Shiew Li. He speaks about challenges faced during MCO and they coped with the pandemic. He talks about the process of introducing a new ice cream flavor. Lastly, he gives advice to people from corporate backgrounds that are interested to be an entrepreneur.
To check out Inside Scoop as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:
https://www.instagram.com/myinsidescoop/
Edmund Tan and his wife, Shiew Li are founders of Inside Scoop, the local artisanal ice cream brand. Edmund and Shiew Li were both working in the corporate world, Edmund was an investment banker while Shiew Li was an actuary. They noticed a gap in the market and decided to turn their passion for food into a business idea in 2013, which is now known as Inside Scoop.
Inside Scoop is well-known for their ice creams that incorporate distinctly Malaysian flavors such as cempedak, durian, and teh tarik. Their other popular offerings are buttermilk waffles and cakes. In this episode of our podcast, we have invited Edmund to learn more about the brand.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektohFollow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
“I had a lot of free time during my last semester in University, so I decided to take orders for beauty products from overseas to Malaysia.” --- Adlina Nadirah
In this podcast episode, Adlina shares the story of why and how “Velvet Vanity” started. She talks about the advantages of being an indie cosmetics brand competing with the more established companies. She shares challenges unique to operating in the Malaysian beauty market and how she overcame the challenges. She talks about her future plans and her newest scarf line, Plush.
To check out Velvet Vanity Cosmetics and Plush as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:
https://www.velvetvanitycosmetics.com/
https://www.instagram.com/plushscarves/
Adlina Nadirah (@adlinanadirah) is an architecture graduate and she is currently the founder and managing director of Velvet Vanity Cosmetics, a homegrown makeup brand established in 2016. Adlina has almost 5 years of experience running a beauty brand on e-commerce and she is passionate in branding, creativity as well as social media content.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
“I got very sick and I was bedridden for 3 months. I was wondering ‘what on earth am I doing with my life? I’m so young to go through this.’” --- Goh Ai Ching
In this podcast episode, Ai Ching shares stories of how and why she started Piktochart. She talks about her working experience in corporate companies and how these experiences have changed her. She shares lessons learned over the years while building Piktochart and gives advice on building effective communication as well as useful interview advice.
To check out Piktochart as mentioned in the podcast, here is the link:
Ai Ching Goh started her professional career with a degree in Experimental Psychology and a media position at P&G. She quickly discovered her entrepreneurial spirit, and transitioned to a startup mindset. Ai Ching co-founded a web app, which turned into Piktochart, a visual communications tool that makes it easy to condense and consume information.
As a startup that operates from Penang, but serves over 18 million users globally, Ai Ching has taken an unconventional approach to growth. She goes against the grain of what the startup world teaches passionate entrepreneurs in areas including talent management, culture ”pruning" and bootstrapping.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
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Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
“The biggest change was not being able to have photo shoots during the MCO. I have to expect that things may not happen but I’m very thankful that I still have opportunities and I’ve also pivoted.” --- Charis Ow
In this podcast episode, Charis shares personal stories about her career as a singer, host and content creator. She shares popular and less common advice that people should follow and advice that people should ignore. She talks about her future plans and her new venture that she has been working on.
To check out Charis’ Youtube channel as mentioned in the podcast, here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/user/charisowTV
Charis Ow (@charisow) is a singer, host, content creator and a soon-to-be entrepreneur. Charis is also known for her CharisowTV channel on Youtube. In 2017, Charis became the Head Mouseketeer of Malaysia’s Club Mickey Mouse.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Wednesday Dec 09, 2020
Wednesday Dec 09, 2020
In this podcast episode, Amy shares personal stories and experiences living abroad before moving to Malaysia to start her own venture. Amy talks about the journey of building Amazin’ Graze, the healthy and tasty local snacks brand. She shares some of the biggest lessons learned over the years while building the company and advice to young people who aspire to start a business like Amazin’ Graze.
Amy Zheng (@amyuzheng) was born in the bustling city of Shanghai, grew up in Australia’s cultural capital Melbourne, and has become an integrated resident of Kuala Lumpur after living in the city for nearly 10 years. She first came to Kuala Lumpur to work with the Boston Consulting Group; little did she know that she was going to meet her life partner and build her dream business here.
Having spent half of her career working for the public sector & NGOs and the other half as a corporate warrior, Amy felt that it was time to do something big - and Amazin’ Graze was born. Today, the company has grown to a home pantry brand across the region, with a strong social mission to not only help people live healthier but also give back to society by working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Amy's passionate about building a world-class consumer brand in Asia, helping people live healthier and meaningful lives and building young women to become future leaders.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
“I was never the kind that could survive our school system. At the age of 17, I told myself I’m either going to make it and I’m going to make it very differently or I’m going to crumble.” --- Sandra Woo
In this podcast episode, Sandra shares how she first took up the practice of yoga and how it has shaped her values in life. She talks about the common misconception about yoga and what are some of the first things people should try if they are new to yoga. She shares the challenges of being a fitness instructor as well as the traits of a great fitness instructor.
Sandra Woo (@sandrawooo) is a wellness instructor in KL who's focus includes teaching Yoga and Mobility. She studied and continues to study under the tutelage of manoj kaimal of manasa yoga malaysia, 7 years since she found the way of yoga.
Today she studies movement in various athletics and works closely with physiotherapists to educate the industry on mindful movement and conditioning. She is also lululemon ambassador and has spearheaded projects with the brand and is often involved in community engagements. She also teaches banging spin classes and absolutely loves plants.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
“Back then, I didn’t know anything about the music scene in Malaysia. My parents were overprotective and didn’t allow me to go out at all. It was music that opened so many doors for me.” --- Talitha Tan
In this podcast episode, Talitha shares the story behind why decided to pursue music as her career and her family’s thoughts about her career. She talks about the challenges faced when she released her first single. Talitha shares her song-writing process and her approach on days when she doesn’t feel inspired. She gives advice to young aspiring musicians in Malaysia and her future career plans.
To check out Talitha’s music as mentioned in the podcast, here is the link:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wkxDp8esk6g2W9Fw7IQGY
Talitha has crafted a reputation in the music scene with her lovable personality coupled with her soulful voice and heart-tugging songwriting. With a strong following and fanbase online reaching 127,000 followers on all social platforms, she has graced many stages, locally and internationally.
Her hit debut single “Okay”, garnered 2 million streams on Spotify while raking up plenty of plays on radio. Her second single, “Please Stay” released at the end of 2017, hit 1.2 million streams on Spotify in less than half a year. Her debut single “Boys” and “Would you” have also reached over a million streams.
Talitha has worked with some of Malaysia’s best and international artists such as Man Bai, SonaOne, Darren Ashley, Ali Aiman and Tatsuro Miller. Apart from her musical endeavours, Talitha is also passionate about fitness, parkour, rock climbing, motocross and powerlifting to fill her adrenaline quota on a daily basis.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
“I’ve always loved expressing myself. I’ve always loved communicating my emotions through art and performing. By the time I had to decide for University, I knew I wanted to do something creative because this is what I love.” --- Sharina Shahrin
In this podcast episode, Sharina shares personal experiences living abroad and how this has shaped her perspective in life. She talks about her career being a visual artist in Malaysia and some of the challenges behind the scenes. Sharina shares her creative process when it comes to creating art and how she gets inspiration daily. Lastly, she talks about stories behind her creative studio, Everyday Studios.
To check out Sharina's work as mentioned in the podcast, here is the link:
https://www.instagram.com/sharinashahrin_/
Sharina Shahrin (@sharinashahrin_) is a mixed-media visual artist currently based in Malaysia. With a background in both creative direction and fine art, her work explores themes of femininity and identity through her expressive paintings, portraits and digital work. Sharina has exhibited in the UK, Czech Republic, Turkey and Malaysia. Passionate about self-expression and creative engagement, in recent years she has been focusing on the power and importance of art education within her local community through art workshops and talks. Sharina has collaborated with local and international companies such as Nelissa Hilman, Huawei, Lenovo, Disney, Red Bull Studios, and VANS.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Thursday Oct 29, 2020
Thursday Oct 29, 2020
“If it wasn’t for the boy band, I wouldn’t have come to Malaysia and really fell in love with it. When I was in the boy band, I had so much free time so I started a Youtube Channel and that’s when I got noticed by The 8TV Quickie. ” --- Mark O’Dea
In this podcast episode, Mark shares how he made the decision to move to Malaysia many years back to join the boy band - The London Boys. He talks about being a social media personality and how he first started building content on Youtube as well as on other social media platforms. He shares the differences between being a TV host on Astro and being a content creator on social media.
To check out Mark’s Youtube channel as mentioned in the podcast, here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/user/markodea
Mark O’Dea (@markodea8) is from the UK and he has made a name for himself in Malaysia in just over six years! From a young age, all he wanted to do was perform and be in front of the camera. He appeared in TV Shows and Musicals in the UK until the age of 22 when he got an offer to be in the Asia Based Boyband 'The London Boys'.
Whilst being in the band, Mark started his own Youtube Channel which now has over 75,000 Subscribers and has a total of over 6 Million Views to this date! He also creates viral content on his Facebook & Instagram Account which has over 130,000 Followers.
After he parted ways with the Boy Band, he became a TV Host on 8TV's Daily Entertainment Show 'The 8TV Quickie' for two years. Mark also joined Astro SuperSports as the host for the International Sports Travel Show 'Wishlist'! Currently still at Astro he hosted a weekly Sports News Show called 'SuperSport Daily' where the viewers get their weekly dose of Sports news delivered with a fun twist!
Mark regularly makes cameos and guest appearances in TV Shows & Youtube Channels and has also emceed numerous events around Malaysia and the whole of SouthEast Asia being the regular host for the WEB TV Asia Awards in Thailand , Indonesia & most recently South Korea! He also made his Acting Debut in the Children’s TV Show “Oh My English'' for Astro Malaysia and most recently played one of the 6 leads in the International Movie RISE INI KALILAH which is now streaming on Netflix worldwide!
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor